Cirrus@Austlit

'Though he had once rejected his wealth, Rupert Royce now accepts his responsibilities and takes a commanding role in the shipping company his family owns. A possible deal with the Soviets would bring great profits but might also weaken the British Naval power in the long run.'

Source: Spy Guys and Gals (http://spyguysandgals.com/sgShowChar.aspx?id=669#bk_2582) (Sighted: 6/8/2018)

The story opens with a Dakota, whose crew is engaged on a meteorological survey, flying over the Arctic. Suddenly the wreckage of a plane and a moving human figure are spotted on the ice below. Rupert Royce, the meteorologist on board, volunteers to parachute down to investigate while the Dakota returns to base to organise a rescue expedition. He lands safely to find that there is one survivor of what proves to be a Russian plane. But, unknown to Royce, the Dakota crashes on its return journey and the whole crew is killed. As a result, his whereabouts are completely unknown to the outside world; all the authorities know is that his body is not found in the Dakota's wreckage. (Source: 1962 Hamish Hamilton Edition)